Ben Shapiro has given his seal of approval to "The Odyssey," calling the film a "masterpiece" in a recent review despite acknowledging conservative backlash over Elliot Page's casting. The right-wing political commentator and Daily Wire founder urged audiences not to let the casting choice overshadow what he views as thematically conservative storytelling.
In his review, Shapiro argued that the film's core narrative aligns with conservative values. "The broader theme of the movie is actually very much in line with many things that conservatives think," he stated, before encouraging viewers to look past their potential objections. "If you let Elliot Page kill that for you, I think you're missing out on an incredible moviegoing experience."
The endorsement marks an interesting moment in the ongoing culture war tensions between the entertainment industry and conservative media figures. Shapiro's willingness to separate his ideological reservations about Page from his appreciation of the film's thematic content stands in contrast to typical boycott rhetoric that dominates right-wing discourse around LGBTQ+ casting choices.
Page's inclusion in major studio projects has frequently drawn criticism from conservative audiences and influencers since the actor's public transition in late 2020. Yet Shapiro's commentary suggests that some conservative voices recognize quality storytelling regardless of casting controversies. The Daily Wire founder has positioned himself as a cultural arbiter willing to engage with mainstream entertainment on artistic merit.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions within conservative media between ideological purity and artistic appreciation. Shapiro's praise for "The Odyssey" demonstrates that major right-wing figures can acknowledge compelling filmmaking while maintaining their broader political positions. Whether his audience follows suit remains uncertain, but his review offers a counterpoint to reflexive dismissals of projects involving transgender actors.